An arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn storage device with an associated yarn-tensioning device

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn storage device which includes an upright flank with juxtaposed yarn stores, and an associated yarn-tensioning device which is arranged in the space between the yarn storage device and the weaving machine, including comprising at least one yarn-tensioning module, which carries at least one row of juxtaposed yarn-tensioning elements, where the direction of said row of yarn-tensioning elements, has an angle of inclination and/or forms an acute angle with a vertical plane which runs parallel or coincides with the plane in which an upright flank is situated.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to an arrangement of a weaving machineand a yarn storage device with an associated yarn-tensioning device,wherein the yarn storage device comprises at least one yarn storage unitwith a front side facing the weaving machine and at least one flankwhich is configured to hold several yarn stores which are situated injuxtaposed positions along the plane of the flank.

BACKGROUND

A known arrangement comprises a bobbin creel in which a large amount ofdifferent bobbins are placed. A supply of yarn is wound onto each bobbinand a warp thread is passed from every bobbin to a weaving machine via anumber of guiding eyelets and grids. The warp threads are incorporatedin a fabric in a weaving process on the weaving machine, while therequired amounts of the various warp threads are meanwhile beingsupplied by the respective different bobbins. The bobbin creel iscomposed of a number of support structures (also referred to as doors)which are arranged next to each other at intermediate distances apart.Every support structure has a front side with a relatively limited widthwhich faces the weaving machine and two flanks which extend from thefront side in a direction moving away from the weaving machine. Thebobbin holders are placed in such a way that the bobbins of every flankare situated next to each other along the upright face of the flank, orin other words viewed in a direction perpendicular to the face of theflank.

Such a bobbin creel is also combined with means to keep the tension inthe warp yarns under control. In a commonly used yarn-tensioning device,a small weight is placed on every warp thread in the bobbin creel. As aresult thereof, a constant force is exerted on every warp thread inorder to keep the warp thread under tension. Placing these small weightsis time-consuming and, in addition, this does not make it possible toadjust the yarn tension quickly to changing circumstances during theweaving process. As a result thereof, the yarn tension for certain warpthreads is much higher, at least during some parts of the weavingprocess, than is necessary to ensure a smooth progress of the weavingprocess.

There are yarn-tensioning elements by means of which the tension in thewarp threads can be kept under control for each warp thread or for eachgroup of warp threads. These comprise a roller which is driven by amotor and is configured to rotate, in contact with at least one warpthread, in the one or the other direction of rotation in order to movesaid warp thread in a direction counter to the supply direction of thewarp threads, respectively to move the warp thread in a direction whichis identical to the supply direction of the warp threads, in order toincrease or decrease, respectively, the yarn tension in said warpthread. Such a yarn-tensioning element is described in the internationalpatent application WO 2017/077454 A1. There will not be sufficientavailable space in a bobbin creel with very large numbers of bobbins toprovide such a yarn-tensioning element for every warp thread in a bobbincreel. The bobbin creel will then have to be made larger.

SUMMARY

It is the object of the present disclosure to overcome theabovementioned drawbacks and to provide an arrangement of a yarn storagedevice and an associated yarn-tensioning device which allow flexibleadjustment of the yarn tension, while also being compact.

This object is achieved by providing an arrangement of a weaving machineand a yarn storage device with an associated yarn-tensioning device,wherein the yarn storage device comprises at least one yarn storage unitwith a front side facing the weaving machine and at least one uprightflank which is configured to hold several yarn stores in juxtaposedpositions, wherein, according to the present disclosure, theyarn-tensioning device comprises at least one yarn-tensioning modulewith at least one carrier which carries at least one row of juxtaposedyarn-tensioning elements, wherein every yarn-tensioning module isarranged in the space between the yarn storage device and the weavingmachine, and wherein each carrier is arranged such that the direction ofsaid row of yarn-tensioning elements has an angle of inclination and/orforms an acute angle with a vertical plane which runs parallel orcoincides with the plane in which said upright flank is situated.

Numerous warp threads are supplied to the yarn-tensioning elements fromthe yarn storage device at small intermediate distances and these warpthreads are conveyed to the weaving machine from the yarn-tensioningelements, likewise at small intermediate distances apart. As a result ofthe inclined arrangement of the row of yarn-tensioning elements, thesuccessive yarn-tensioning elements of a row are brought to a differentheight. In this case, the difference in the vertical position betweenthe successive yarn-tensioning elements may be very small. As a resultthereof, every yarn-tensioning element is readily accessible and can bereached by a respective supplied warp thread via a minimal number ofbends and every conveyed warp thread can also be conveyed to the weavingmachine via a minimal number of bends.

The arrangement which forms an acute angle with a vertical plane whichruns parallel or coincides with the plane in which said upright flank issituated produces a similarly advantageous effect. Due to the obliquearrangement of the row of yarn-tensioning elements with respect to theflank, the successive yarn-tensioning elements of a row are brought intopositions which are horizontally offset with respect to each other andwith respect to the vertical plane in which the flank is situated. Thisdifference in horizontal position between the successive yarn-tensioningelements may be very small. As a result thereof, every yarn-tensioningelement is readily accessible and can be reached by a respectivesupplied warp thread via a minimal number of bends and every conveyedwarp thread can also be conveyed to the weaving machine via a minimalnumber of bends.

As a result thereof, the warp threads can be passed from the yarnstorage device to the weaving machine close together, while ensuringthat the positional difference is sufficient to prevent the warp threadsfrom inhibiting each other.

Every yarn-tensioning element has an inlet via which a supplied warpthread is introduced in cooperation with the yarn-tensioning element andan outlet via which this warp thread can leave the yarn-tensioningelement to move along to the weaving machine. By arranging every row ofyarn-tensioning elements in an inclined manner or obliquely with respectto the vertical plane of the flank, a vertical positional difference ora horizontal positional difference, respectively, can be created betweensuccessive yarn-tensioning elements which is just sufficient to make theinlet and/or the outlet of every yarn-tensioning element accessible in astraight horizontal line to the supplied or conveyed warp threads whichrun close to each other.

Due to the fact that every row of yarn-tensioning elements is arrangedin an inclined manner or obliquely with respect to a vertical planewhich runs along the flank direction, large numbers of yarn-tensioningelements only take up a limited width or height. The addition ofyarn-tensioning elements therefore only has a small effect on the heightor the width of the yarn-tensioning device.

In a preferred embodiment of the arrangement according to thedisclosure, each carrier comprises a substantially flat surface whichforms an outer side of the yarn-tensioning module, the yarn-tensioningelements on said outer side are accessible for supplying and/orconveying respective warp threads, each carrier is arranged in aposition in which said surface, viewed in a vertical cross section ofthe yarn-tensioning module, has an angle of inclination, and/or, viewedin a horizontal cross section of the yarn-tensioning module, forms anacute angle with a vertical plane which runs parallel or coincides withthe plane in which said upright flank is situated.

As a result thereof, the yarn-tensioning elements may be placed in rowshaving the abovementioned directions, due to the fact that the carrieris arranged at an angle or obliquely with respect to the vertical planeof the flank, while these yarn-tensioning elements are in additionreadily accessible on an outer side of the yarn-tensioning module.

In a first particular embodiment, the yarn-tensioning module comprisestwo carriers with a substantially flat surface which forms a respectiveouter side of the yarn-tensioning module, said carriers are arranged ina position in which their respective surfaces, viewed in a verticalcross section of the yarn-tensioning module, have an angle ofinclination and taper towards each other in the direction of the weavingmachine.

In a second particular embodiment, the yarn-tensioning module comprisestwo carriers with a substantially flat surface which forms a respectiveouter side of the yarn-tensioning module, and said carriers are arrangedin a position in which their respective surfaces, viewed in a horizontalcross section of the yarn-tensioning module, form an acute angle with avertical plane which runs parallel or coincides with the plane in whichsaid upright flank is situated, and taper towards each other in thedirection of the weaving machine.

The two carriers together preferably have a width which is not greaterthan the width of a yarn storage unit.

In their most preferred embodiment, the first and the second particularembodiments are designed such that the two carriers with mutuallytapering surfaces virtually adjoin each other, so that theyarn-tensioning module, viewed in a cross section, has a substantiallyV-shaped profile.

In a greatly preferred embodiment, each warp thread is guided from ayarn store to a yarn-tensioning element in non-tensioned state.

The yarn stores are distributed over the relatively high volume of ayarn storage device. If several yarn storage units are situated next toeach other, this volume is moreover also relatively wide. With the knownprior-art arrangements, the warp threads run from the top and from thebottom yarn stores in a straight line and under tension at relativelylarge angles with respect to a horizontal line to the first guiding gridat the weaving machine. By guiding the warp threads in tensionless statefrom their respective yarn store to a yarn-tensioning element which isarranged in the space between the yarn storage device and the weavingmachine, the warp threads in this space can first be brought together inthe much more limited volume of the yarn-tensioning device in order torun then from this limited volume to the weaving machine under tension.As a result thereof, the yarn storage device can be placed closer to theweaving machine without this causing any detrimental effect. Due to thefact that the parts of warp threads which have been put under tensionalso occupy less space, space is freed up around these warp threads, asa result of which other components, such as a beam stand, become moreeasily accessible if they are arranged in the space between theyarn-tensioning device and the weaving machine.

The yarn storage device may for example comprise at least twospaced-apart juxtaposed yarn storage units.

Furthermore, it is also possible to design the yarn-tensioning device insuch a way that it has at least two yarn-tensioning modules which arespaced-apart next to each other or one above the other. Thus, the largenumber of yarn-tensioning elements are distributed over several modulesas a result of which they are more readily accessible for maintenanceand repairs.

In a specific embodiment, each yarn-tensioning element comprises aninlet and an outlet for a warp thread, and, for every yarn-tensioningelement, a warp thread supplied from a yarn store is guided to the inleton the side of the carrier where the outlet is situated. This may beuseful if one of the sides of the carrier is not accessible forsupplying or conveying warp threads, or only with difficulty. This alsoensures that the tension in the warp thread only increases veryslightly.

In another embodiment, the supplied warp thread is guided through thecarrier to the inlet from the side of the carrier which is situatedopposite the side where the outlet is situated.

In this case, the yarn-tensioning element may be designed and integratedin the carrier in such a way that the warp thread crosses the carrier ina direction which is virtually perpendicular to the carrier surface, asa result of which the warp thread is bent at the inlet and at the outletover a relatively large angle. These bends produce significant frictionand thus add considerable additional tension. This may be ideal forarrangements which require a relatively high yarn tension. In this way,the yarn-tensioning elements do not have to provide all of the yarntension.

In a preferred embodiment, a yarn-guiding means is provided between atleast every yarn store and a yarn-tensioning element and is configuredto guide and protect a warp thread along virtually the entire path fromthe yarn store to the yarn-tensioning element. The main function of theguide element is to guide a tension-free warp thread while avoiding therisk of it coming into contact with other warp threads. The guideelement may have an open or a closed structure.

The yarn-guiding means is, for example, tubular. Preferably, it is aflexible element.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, each yarn-tensioning elementcomprises a roller which is driven by a motor and is configured torotate, in contact with at least one warp thread, in the one or theother direction of rotation in order to move said warp thread in adirection counter to the supply direction of the warp threads,respectively to move the warp thread or to move it concomitantly withthe movement or in order to facilitate the movement, in a directionwhich is identical to the supply direction of the warp threads, in orderto increase or decrease, respectively, the yarn tension in said warpthread.

The motor-driven roller is also referred to as the brake roller.

In an advantageous embodiment, a yarn-tensioning module is arranged inthe space between the yarn storage device and the weaving machine, whichis laterally delimited by the parallel vertical surfaces which touch theflanks of the yarn storage device which are furthest apart.

The yarn storage device may, inter alia, be a bobbin creel. In thatcase, the yarn stores are bobbins on which respective stores of yarn arewound.

Preferably, the yarn on these bobbins is unwound by pulling it over thehead of the bobbin in the direction of the axis of the bobbin, when thebobbin is not rotating (in “defile”). Preferably, the guiding means areplaced in line with the axis of the bobbin. This usually ensures a morestable and a lower yarn tension than radial unwinding (“déroulé”),during which the bobbin does rotate. The reason for this is that thelatter requires a greater force. The angle at which the yarn enters theguiding means also differs, depending on the location from where theyarn is taken from the bobbin. Since this location varies periodically,a sinusoidal variation in tension results.

The motor which drives the brake roller in order to keep the yarn undertension is preferably actuable in generator operation in order to keepthe yarn under tension. By using a motor which provides an adjustabletorque to the brake roller, it is easier to respond to deviating and/orchanging properties of yarns and/or a change in path of the yarn and/orchanges in the behaviour of the weaving machine. The torque of the motormay, for example, be much lower when the machine is stationary (justenough to keep the yarn tensioned) than when the machine is inoperation.

In order to recuperate yarn from the weaving machine, which isnecessary, for example, due to shed-formation, the motor is alsoactuable in motor operation in order to move the yarn in a directionwhich is opposite to the supply direction of the yarn. In addition, itmay also be useful to make the motor actuable in motor operation inorder to move the yarn in the supply direction so as to take additionalyarn from the yarn storage system. Preferably, a central control unit isalso provided, preferably also including means for making the energygenerated during the generator operation of the motor immediatelyavailable to the control unit of the yarn-tensioning system.

Preferably, measuring means for determining the length of the yarn whichis taken off by the weaving machine are also provided. For each brakeroller, it is possible to calculate the length of the yarns held undertension by this brake roller from the number of revolutions of the brakeroller or the angular rotation of the motor and the diameter of thebrake roller without additional length-measuring sensors being required.To this end, the measuring means comprise the calculating means requiredfor this purpose, for example.

Preferably, communication means are also provided for receiving signalsfrom the weaving machine with regard to the operation and/or theposition of the machine and measuring means for measuring parametersrelating to the operation of the yarn-tensioning device andtension-monitoring means for monitoring the parameters for the operationof the yarn-tensioning device relative to the signals received from theweaving machine. The signals relating to the operation of the weavingmachine represent the current state of the weaving machine and mayrelate to the machine being at a standstill, the machine being inoperation, the speed of the machine, the position of the main axis ofthe weaving machine, the stage of the weaving process, etc.

The tension-monitoring means are preferably also configured to predictthe expected operation of the yarn-tensioning device based on thecurrent state reported by the weaving machine. Most preferably, theyarn-tensioning device is provided with a tension measuring device formeasuring the yarn tension. By measuring the yarn tension, it is alsopossible to provide different additional detection systems. Thus, it isfor example possible not only to detect yarn rupture and/orovertensioning of the yarn by means of the measured yarn tension, butalso irregularities or knots in the yarn. It is for example alsopossible to keep several yarns having identical yarn characteristics andfollowing the same path under tension using the same brake roller.

The motor of a yarn-tensioning system according to the presentdisclosure is preferably a DC motor or a brushless AC motor. Morepreferably, this motor is a brushless DC motor, still more preferably abrushless DC motor having an external rotor (a type of motor in whichthe stator is stationary and the rotor rotates) provided with HALLsensors, preferably designed as a pancake motor, due to the compactnessof such a type of motor, the economic feasibility and because littleenergy is released or little energy is required in the presentapplication.

By minimizing the slip of the yarn on the brake roller, the tension ofthe yarn can be held constant, irrespective of the threadcharacteristics, and the accuracy of any measurements can be increased.There are various ways of reducing slip of the yarn on the brake roller.Alternatively or additionally, the brake roller may be designed forwinding the yarn several times around here. Furthermore alternatively oradditionally, the brake roller may comprise a running surface which isprovided with an anti-slip layer and/or configured with a profiling

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be explained in more detail by means of thefollowing description of a possible embodiment of an arrangement of aweaving machine and a yarn storage device with an associatedyarn-tensioning device according to the present disclosure.

In this description, reference numerals are used to refer to theattached drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 to 3 show different views of a yarn-tensioning element in whichthe inlet and the outlet of the warp thread are situated on the sameside of the yarn-tensioning element and in which the warp thread ispassed to the inlet via the same side;

FIG. 4 shows a top view of a yarn-tensioning element according to FIGS.1-3 which is integrated in a carrier of a yarn-tensioning device;

FIGS. 5 to 7 show different views of a yarn-tensioning element, in whichthe inlet and the outlet of the warp thread are situated on the sameside of the yarn-tensioning element and in which the warp thread ispassed to the inlet of the yarn-tensioning element from the oppositeside;

FIG. 8 shows a diagrammatic side view of an arrangement of a weavingmachine and a bobbin creel with an associated yarn-tensioning device,with a vertical construction of a yarn-tensioning device having aV-shaped profile;

FIG. 9a shows a diagrammatic top view of the arrangement represented inFIG. 8;

FIG. 9b shows an enlarged representation of a top view of one of thegroups of yarn-tensioning modules from FIG. 9 a;

FIG. 10a shows a diagrammatic side view of an arrangement of a weavingmachine and a bobbin creel with an associated yarn-tensioning device,with a horizontal construction of a yarn-tensioning device having aV-shaped profile; and

FIG. 10b shows an enlarged representation of a side view of theyarn-tensioning module from FIG. 10a ; and

FIG. 11 shows a diagrammatic top view of the arrangement shown in FIG.10 a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate an embodiment of a yarn-tensioning element (8)together with a portion of a guide tube (10) and a portion of a warpthread (11) in cooperation with the yarn-tensioning element (8). FIG. 1shows a side view, FIG. 2 shows a top view and FIG. 3 shows arepresentation in perspective.

The yarn-tensioning element (8) contains an electric motor (80) which isdesigned to drive a brake roller (81) to rotate and a non-drivenrotatable clamping roller (82) which is situated next to the brakeroller (81). The warp thread (11) is passed from a yarn store (not shownin FIGS. 1-3) through the guide tube (10) in the supply direction (F) asfar as the vicinity of the yarn-tensioning element (8). After leavingthe guide tube (10), the warp thread (11) first runs across the surfaceof the clamping roller (82), subsequently between the clamping roller(82) and the brake roller (81) and finally across the surface of thebrake roller (81) in order to leave the latter after approximately halfa revolution and to continue to run towards the weaving machine (1) in adirection which differs little from the supply direction (F) via aguiding eyelet (83). During its passage between the clamping roller (82)and the brake roller (81), the warp thread (11) is clamped between bothrollers (81), (82), so that the warp thread (11) moves concomitantlywith the brake roller (81) without slip. In addition, there is also aholder (84) provided with two guide walls (84 a),(84 b) which extend ona respective side of the clamping roller (82). These are necessary inorder to make the recuperation of warp yarns possible.

If the brake roller (81) is driven by the motor (80) to rotateclockwise, it will pull back the warp thread (11) in the directioncounter to the supply direction (F) and as a result thereof recuperateyarn. If the weaving machine (1) pulls the warp thread (11) forward inthe supply direction (F), the brake roller (81) will rotateconcomitantly counterclockwise, with the motor being in generatoroperation. By actuating the motor (80) in cooperation with a controlunit, the yarn tension of every warp thread (11) can be controlled orregulated separately as a function of one or several yarntension-influencing circumstances or factors, such as inter alia theweave status of the respective warp thread, the location of the warpthread on the weaving machine, the resistance which the warp threadencounters during its move in the supply direction, etc.

The direction in which the warp thread (11) turns when it leaves theguide tube (10) at the inlet (85) of the yarn-tensioning element isapproximately identical to the direction in which the warp thread (11)runs when it leaves the yarn-tensioning element (8) at the outlet (86)via the guiding eyelet (83). In addition, the inlet (85) and the outlet(86) are placed in such a manner that the warp thread (5) is situated onthe same side of the yarn-tensioning element (1) on the inlet (85) andon the outlet (86). As a result thereof, such a yarn-tensioning element(1) can easily be integrated in a carrier (71), (72) in such a mannerthat a warp thread which is supplied from a yarn store on the side ofthe carrier where the outlet is situated is passed to the inlet (seeFIG. 4).

In FIGS. 5 to 7, another yarn-tensioning element (9) is presented,together with a portion of a guide tube (10) and a portion of a warpthread (11), in cooperation with the yarn-tensioning element (9). FIG. 5shows a front view, FIG. 6 shows a representation in perspective andFIG. 7 shows a top view.

The yarn-tensioning element (9) also contains an electric motor (90)which is designed to drive a brake roller (91) and a non-drivenrotatable clamping roller (92) which is situated next to the brakeroller (91). The warp thread (11) is passed from a yarn store (notshown) through the guide tube (10) as far as the vicinity of theyarn-tensioning element (9). The guide tube (10) first runs in thesupply direction (F) and makes a turn of nearly 90° near the end. Afterleaving the guide tube (10), the warp thread (11) is first bent so as tobe brought between the clamping roller (92) and the brake roller (91) ina direction which is virtually counter to the supply direction (F) andto be clamped between these rollers (91),(92), and to subsequently runacross the running surface of the brake roller (91) and to leave thelatter after more than half a revolution and to continue to run in thesupply direction (F) via a guiding eyelet (93).

The direction in which the warp thread (11) runs when it leaves theguide tube (10) at the inlet (94) is approximately perpendicular to thedirection in which the warp thread (11) runs when it leaves theyarn-tensioning element (9) at the outlet (95) via the guiding eyelet(93). As a result thereof, such a yarn-tensioning element (9) can easilybe integrated in a carrier (71), (72) in such a manner that the outlet(95) is situated on one side of the carrier and the warp thread from theopposite side of the carrier is passed to the inlet (94) through thecarrier (71),(72).

In a first arrangement according to the present disclosure (see FIGS. 8,9 a and 9 b), a weaving machine (1) is arranged next to a bobbin creel(3) in cooperation with a jacquard device (2). In the intermediate spacebetween the weaving machine (1) and the bobbin creel (3), a beam stand(4) is arranged comprising yarn stores provided on four differentrollers (40)-(43) for the warp threads which are used evenly andregularly on the weaving machine (1) during the weaving process.

The bobbin creel (3) contains a large number of bobbins (5) containingyarn stores for the warp threads wound thereon which are used unevenlyand irregularly during the weaving process. The bobbin creel (3)contains eight creel units (30)-(37), also referred to as doors, whichare positioned next to one another at a mutual intermediate distanceapart (see FIG. 9a ). Each creel unit (30)-(37) has a front side (30 a)facing the weaving machine (1) and two vertical flanks (30 b),(30 c)which run perpendicular to the front side (30 a). Each flank (30 b),(30c) contains the holders required to be able to arrange a large number ofbobbins (5) next to each other in horizontal rows situated one above theother in a fixed position in which they are rotatable.

The reference numerals (30 a), (30 b) and (30 c) are only shown with onecreel unit (30) in FIG. 9a . The other creel units (31)-(37) areidentical and their front sides and flanks are denoted below byreference numeral (30 a) and reference numerals (30 b) and (30 c),respectively.

In the space between the bobbin creel (3) and the weaving machine, ayarn-tensioning device (6) is arranged, consisting of eight groups(60)-(67) of 16 yarn-tensioning modules, with each group (60)-(67)consisting of two series (I), (II), arranged vertically above oneanother, of eight yarn-tensioning modules (7), arranged vertically aboveone another, a top series (I) of eight modules (7) and a bottom series(II) of eight modules (7). There is a vertical intermediate distance (d)between both series (I), (II). FIG. 8 shows the group (60) of 16 modules(7) which is located at the top in FIG. 9 a.

In FIG. 9a , the yarn-tensioning elements (9) are only shown in thegroup (60) illustrated at the top. They are also provided on the othergroups (61)-(67) in a similar manner, but these are not shown in thefigures.

FIG. 9b shows a top view of this group (60) of 16 yarn-tensioningmodules (7) separately and enlarged.

Each group (60)-(67) of yarn-tensioning modules is placed against thefront side (30 a) of a respective creel unit (30)-(37). Each group(60)-(67) thus has an associated creel unit (30)-(37).

Each yarn-tensioning module (7) consists of two panel-shaped carriers(71),(72) with a flat outer surface. Each carrier (71),(72) contains theyarn-tensioning elements (9) for the warp threads which are suppliedfrom the bobbins (5) of the flank (30 b), (30 c) which is located on thesame side. In FIG. 9a , the top carrier (71) thus has associated flank(30 b) and the bottom carrier (72) has associated flank (30 c).

Both carriers (71),(72) are arranged vertically and at an acute angle(β) with respect to the vertical plane (V1), (V2) in which theassociated flank (30 b), (30 c) is situated and in this case tapertowards each other in the direction of the weaving machine (1), comingtogether while forming an angle and adjoining each other. Theyarn-tensioning modules (7) thus have a V-shaped profile, viewed in ahorizontal cross section, as can clearly be seen in FIGS. 9a and 9 b.

Each carrier (71),(72) has a large number of rows of closely juxtaposedyarn-tensioning elements (9). For the sake of clarity, only threeyarn-tensioning elements (9) are represented per carrier (71), (72).

The yarn-tensioning elements (9) are of the type which is integrated inthe carriers (71), (72) in such a way that the outlet (96) is situatedon one side of the carrier (71),(72) and the warp thread from theopposite side of the carrier is passed through the carrier (71),(72) tothe inlet (95) of the yarn-tensioning element.

Due to the oblique arrangement of the carriers (71),(72), the direction(R1), (R2) of each row of yarn-tensioning elements (9) also forms anacute angle (β) with respect to the vertical plane (V1), (V2) in whichthe associated flank (30 b),(30 c) is situated.

In every creel unit (30)-(37), yarns from a large number of bobbins (5)are passed to the weaving machine (1) to be worked into a fabric as warpthreads. A respective guide tube (10) is provided (not shown in FIGS. 8and 9) for every warp thread in order to guide the warp threadtension-free to a yarn-tensioning element (9). In this way, the warpthreads cannot come into contact with each other and not inhibit eachother.

Due to the oblique arrangement of the row of yarn-tensioning elementswith respect to the associated flank (30 b),(30 c), the successiveyarn-tensioning elements (9) of a row are brought into positions whichare horizontally offset with respect to each other and with respect tothe vertical plane (V1, V2) in which the associated flank (30 b), (30 c)is situated. As a result thereof, every yarn-tensioning element (9) isreadily accessible by a respective warp thread supplied from this flank(30 b), (30 c) and each conveyed warp thread can also be conveyed to theweaving machine via a minimal number of bends. As a result thereof, thewarp threads can be passed from the yarn storage device to the weavingmachine without inhibiting each other and while being arranged closetogether.

From the yarn-tensioning elements (9), the warp threads are moved alongto a first grid (13) with a width and a height (see FIGS. 8 and 9 a)which are smaller than the width and the height of the bobbin creel (3).In FIG. 8, a top (11) and a bottom warp thread (12) are shown which runto the grid (13) from the top yarn-tensioning module (7) and from thebottom yarn-tensioning module (7), respectively. FIG. 9adiagrammatically shows the zones (14) in which the warp threads aremoved from their path from the different groups (60)-(67) ofyarn-tensioning modules (9) to the first grid (13).

From the first grid (13), the warp threads (11),(12) run to a secondgrid (15) having the same width as the first grid (13), but a smallerheight. From the second grid (15), the warp threads (11),(12) run to theweaving machine (1), where they are drawn through the heddle eyelet of arespective heddle (16),(17)—represented symbolically by a vertical linewith a circular widening which represents the heddle eyelet. Arespective return spring (18),(19) exerts a downward force on everyheddle (16),(17).

Alternatively, the yarn-tensioning device (6) may also be situated inthe space between the bobbin creel (3) and the beam stand (4), at somedistance from the bobbin creel (3). Preferably, the groups ofyarn-tensioning modules (60)-(67) are then situated within the spacewhich, in the prior art, is occupied by the warp threads on their pathfrom the bobbin creel to the weaving machine. Still more preferably, theyarn-tensioning modules take up less space than the warp threads ontheir path from the bobbin creel to the weaving machine in the prior artat a similar distance from the weaving machine. The number of groups ofyarn-tensioning modules or the number of yarn-tensioning modules pergroup of yarn-tensioning modules is determined based on the application.

In a second arrangement according to the present disclosure (see FIGS.10a, 10b and 11), a weaving machine (1) cooperating with a jacquarddevice (2) is also arranged next to a bobbin creel (3), and a beam stand(4) which is identical to that which is arranged in the firstarrangement (FIGS. 8 and 9) is arranged in the intermediate spacebetween the weaving machine (1) and the bobbin creel (3). The bobbincreel (3) also has the same layout as in the first arrangement which wasdescribed above with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

In the space between the bobbin creel (3) and the weaving machine (1), ayarn-tensioning device (6) is arranged which consists of oneyarn-tensioning module which extends in a horizontal direction which isvirtually parallel to the vertical plane in which the front sides (30 a)of the eight creel units (30)-(37) are situated.

This yarn-tensioning module (20) consists of two panel-shaped carriers(21),(22) with a flat outer surface. The two carriers (21),(22) arearranged at an opposite angle of inclination (α) with respect to eachother, so that they taper towards each other in the direction of theweaving machine (1) symmetrically with respect to a horizontal plane,coming together while forming an angle and adjoining each other. Theyarn-tensioning module (20) thus has a V-shaped profile, viewed in avertical cross section, as can clearly be seen in FIGS. 10a and 10 b.

Alternatively, the yarn-tensioning device (6) could consist of severalyarn-tensioning modules (20), distributed across the width of theweaving machine. Each carrier (21),(22) has a large number of rows ofclosely juxtaposed yarn-tensioning elements (8). For the sake ofclarity, only three yarn-tensioning elements (8) are represented percarrier (21), (22).

The yarn-tensioning elements (8) are of the type which is integrated inthe carriers (21), (22) in such a way that the outlet (86) is situatedon one side of the carrier (21),(22) and the warp thread on the sameside of the carrier is passed to the inlet (85) of the yarn-tensioningelement.

Due to the oblique arrangement of the carriers (21),(22), the direction(R1), (R2) of each row of yarn-tensioning elements (8) also forms anangle of inclination (α) or in other words an acute angle with respectto a horizontal plane.

With this arrangement as well, a respective guide tube (10) (not shownin FIGS. 10 and 11) is provided for each warp thread in order to guidethe warp thread tension-free to a yarn-tensioning element (8). In thisway, the warp threads cannot come into contact with each other andinhibit each other.

Due to the inclined arrangement of the row of yarn-tensioning elements,the successive yarn-tensioning elements (8) of a row are brought intopositions which are offset with respect to each other in a verticaldirection. As a result thereof, each yarn-tensioning element (8) isreadily accessible by a respective warp thread supplied from a yarnstore, and each conveyed warp thread can also be conveyed via a minimumnumber of bends to the weaving machine. As a result thereof, the warpthreads can be passed from the yarn storage device to the weavingmachine without inhibiting each other and while being arranged closetogether.

From the yarn-tensioning elements (8), the warp threads are moved alongto a grid (100) having the same width as the yarn-tensioning module, buta smaller height. From that grid (100), the warp threads (11), (12) runto the weaving machine (1), where they are drawn through the heddleeyelet of a respective heddle (16),(17)—represented symbolically by avertical line with a circular widening which represents the heddleeyelet. A respective return spring (18),(19) exerts a downward force onevery heddle (16),(17).

According to the prior art, the warp threads are supplied to the firstgrid in a stretched state from the bobbin creel (3). FIG. 10a shows thissituation from the prior art by means of the straight line (S1) whichfirst runs from the top row bobbins in the bobbin creel (3) through thegrid (X) of an existing arrangement and then onwards to the grid (100),and the straight line (S2) which runs from the bottom row bobbins in thebobbin creel (3) via the grid (X) of an existing arrangement and thenonwards to the grid (100). To be clear, the grid (X) does not form partof the arrangement according to the present disclosure and has only beenadded to be able to show an effect of the disclosure compared to theprior art.

The lines (S1),(S2) show the large angles (with respect to a horizontalplane) at which the warp yarns are taken to the grid (X) andsubsequently to the grid (100) according to the prior art, andconsequently the large height which the supplied warp threads then takeup.

FIG. 11 shows the prior-art situation by means of the straight line (T1)which runs from a bobbin in the creel unit (30) shown at the top to thegrid (X) according to the prior art, and the straight line (T2) whichruns from a bobbin in the creel unit (37) shown at the bottom to thegrid (X) according to the prior art. These lines (T1),(T2) show thelarge angles (with respect to a vertical plane) at which the warp yarnsare taken to the grid (X) according to the prior art, and consequentlythe large width which the supplied warp threads then take up.

Due to the fact that the warp threads according to the presentdisclosure are taken from the bobbin creel (3) to the much more compactvolume of the yarn-tensioning device (6) in the intermediate spacebetween the bobbin creel (3) and the weaving machine (1) in atension-free state, in which the warp threads obviously should not bestretched, the warp threads can be supplied within a much more compactvolume and this both with regard to height as the width. Here, movingthe warp threads in a tension-free state takes place in guide tubes (10)which are represented symbolically by curved lines in FIGS. 10 and 11.As a result thereof, space is freed up, for example, for access to thebeam stand (4). In addition, this makes it possible to place the bobbincreel (3) closer to the weaving machine.

1. Arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn storage device with anassociated yarn-tensioning device, wherein the yarn storage deviceincludes at least one yarn storage unit with a front side facing theweaving machine and at least one upright flank which is configured tohold several yarn stores in juxtaposed positions, wherein; in that theyarn-tensioning device includes at least one yarn-tensioning module,with at least one carrier which carries at least one row of juxtaposedyarn-tensioning elements, in that every yarn-tensioning module isarranged in the space between the yarn storage device and the weavingmachine, and in that each carrier is arranged such that the direction ofsaid row of yarn-tensioning elements has an angle of inclination and/orforms an acute angle with a vertical plane which runs parallel orcoincides with the plane in which an upright flank is situated. 2.Arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn storage device with anassociated yarn-tensioning device according to claim 1, wherein eachcarrier includes a substantially flat surface which forms an outer sideof the yarn-tensioning module in that the yarn-tensioning elements onsaid outer side are accessible to respective warp threads and in thateach carrier is arranged in a position in which their surface, viewed ina vertical cross section of the yarn-tensioning module has an angle ofinclination and/or, viewed in a horizontal cross section of theyarn-tensioning module forms an acute angle with a vertical plane whichruns parallel or coincides with the plane in which an upright flank issituated.
 3. Arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn storage devicewith an associated yarn-tensioning device according to claim 2, whereinthe yarn-tensioning module includes two carriers with a substantiallyflat surface which forms a respective outer side of the yarn-tensioningmodule, and in that said carriers are arranged in a position in whichtheir respective surfaces, viewed in a vertical cross section of theyarn-tensioning module, have an angle of inclination and taper towardseach other in the direction of the weaving machine.
 4. Arrangement of aweaving machine and a yarn storage device with an associatedyarn-tensioning device according to claim 2, wherein the yarn-tensioningmodule includes two carriers with a substantially flat surface whichforms a respective outer side of the yarn-tensioning module, and in thatsaid carriers are arranged in a position in which their respectivesurfaces, viewed in a horizontal cross section of the yarn-tensioningmodule, form an acute angle with a vertical plane which runs parallel orcoincides with the plane in which said upright flank is situated, andtaper towards each other in the direction of the weaving machine. 5.Arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn storage device with anassociated yarn-tensioning device according to claim 3, wherein the twocarriers with mutually tapering surfaces virtually adjoin each other, sothat the yarn-tensioning module viewed in a cross section, has asubstantially V-shaped profile.
 6. Arrangement of a weaving machine anda yarn storage device with an associated yarn-tensioning deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein characterized in that each warp thread isguided from a yarn store to a yarn-tensioning element in non-tensionedstate.
 7. Arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn storage devicewith an associated yarn-tensioning device according to claim 1,characterized in that the yarn storage device includes at least twospaced-apart juxtaposed yarn storage units.
 8. Arrangement of a weavingmachine and a yarn storage device with an associated yarn-tensioningdevice according to claim 1, wherein the yarn-tensioning device includesat least two yarn-tensioning modules which are spaced-apart next to eachother or one above the other.
 9. Arrangement of a weaving machine and ayarn storage device with an associated yarn-tensioning device accordingto claim 1, wherein each yarn-tensioning element includes an inlet andan outlet for a warp thread and in that, for every yarn-tensioningelement a warp thread supplied from a yarn store is either guided to theinlet on the side of the carrier where the outlet is situated, or isguided through the carrier to the inlet from the side of the carrierwhich is situated opposite the side where the outlet is situated. 10.Arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn storage device with anassociated yarn-tensioning device according to claim 1, wherein ayarn-guiding means is provided between at least one yarn store and ayarn-tensioning element and is configured to guide and protect a warpthread along virtually the entire path from the yarn store to theyarn-tensioning element.
 11. Arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarnstorage device with an associated yarn-tensioning device according toclaim 9, wherein the yarn-guiding means is tubular.
 12. Arrangement of aweaving machine and a yarn storage device with an associatedyarn-tensioning device according to claim 1, wherein eachyarn-tensioning element includes a roller which is driven by a motor andis configured to rotate, in contact with at least one warp thread, inthe one or the other direction of rotation in order to move said warpthread in a direction counter to the supply direction of the warpthreads, respectively to move the warp thread or to move itconcomitantly with the movement or in order to facilitate a movementthereof, in a direction which is identical to the supply direction ofthe warp threads, in order to increase or decrease, respectively, theyarn tension in said warp thread.
 13. Arrangement of a weaving machineand a yarn storage device with an associated yarn-tensioning deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the yarn-tensioning module is arranged inthe space between the yarn storage device and the weaving machine whichis laterally delimited by the parallel vertical surfaces which touch theflanks of the yarn storage device which are furthest apart. 14.Arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn storage device with anassociated yarn-tensioning device according to claim 1, wherein the yarnstorage device is a bobbin creel.